Each week, we here at Gaming Illustrated are always playing a number of different video games. However, we may not be talking about them in reviews or editorials. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth talking about, but for any number of reasons an avenue to speak on them doesn’t come up. To remedy the issue, we’re going to ask our staff (and you, honestly) what’s in your box?

What’s in Greg’s Box

Boxi, I got a confession that will shake the very foundation of your reality: I didn’t play any Banjo-Kazooie or Paper Mario this week.

I know it’s hard to accept, but let’s move past that and on to what I did play: more Wolfenstein: The Old Blood.

There’s something utterly timeless about killing nazis, maybe because we’ve found a way to paint them as two dimensional villains, or the concept of besting an “Übermensch” fills me with the greatest sense of victory that video games can offer, either way I love it.

Killing Nazis is the most fun you’ll have in a video game.

On a similar note a buddy and myself booted up Serious Sam: The Second Encounter HD and knuckled down for alien killing, leading me to think this week has just been one of love for the old-school shooter.

For anyone that’s never played a classic shooter (i.e. Doom, Quake, Duke Nukem) do yourself a favor and take the time. Shooters have never been known for their plots, with a handful of exceptions, but where they shine is in their challenge.

The delicate dance found in constantly shooting and moving is far closer to games like Centipede and Asteroids than it is to titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and Destiny.

So, if you’re looking for a challenge, pick up a classic shooter, relive the insanity of Serious Sam or even give the new Doom a spin, as recently all of its DLC has become free making any sale on it a steal.

What’s in Kalvin’s Box

My box this week has been mainly ARMS and Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. The Switch has become my main platform of choice in most respects. It is nice to be able to play on my TV when I need to, but equally nice to be able to hang out with my girlfriend watching something on TV while trying to wreck people in ARMS. Or take it with me to work and get some progress in while on a break.

There is such a beautiful versatility to the Nintendo Switch that as the library continues to improve and become more diverse, it’ll be hard to ignore it for long. If you’ve managed to hold out after The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild came out then ARMS, Splatoon 2 and the rest of the 2017 line-up will likely convince you to pick one up. If Super Mario Odyssey is as good as its gimmick then Nintendo may have two strong game of the year contenders.

The Splat Dualies are game changers in terms of mobility.

My main issue with Splatoon 2 coming out this week has nothing to do with quality. The Splatfest where I was on the right side of history by choosing ice cream confirmed that Splatoon 2 will be every bit as competitive, spellbinding, and great as the first game. No, I was worried about how I am going to juggle playing Splatoon 2 and ARMS as my nightly competitive fix?

I still don’t know how I’ll find a balance, but I did fire up Splatoon 2 real quick on Friday. It is so good, guys. If you own a Switch and are on the fence still then stop. It’s worth buying…right now. Don’t be the dude three hours late to the party and act like it was anything but being a jerk.

Trying out the brand-new supers is a lot of fun.

It was also Amiibo day yesterday and I spent more money than any reasonable person should getting myself the Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. amiibo. It was a real con move, but I need them.

Speaking of amiibo, I tried to get some amiibo juicing in Splatoon 2 and it wouldn’t give me doubles on the Inkling gen. 1 amiibo and Callie & Marie are locked out (probably until you finish the story mode). I felt cheated.

The changes made to Inkopolis to streamline going to different stores or modes is a welcome addition. Turf War is still a hectic and crazed experience where you pray and hope you get a team that goes for inking up the joint rather than kills kind of like Overwatch. When it comes down to it Splatoon 2 is fresh and fun as hell.

Kalvin Martinez

Kalvin Martinez studied Creative Writing at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He writes reviews, prose and filthy limericks. While he is Orange County born, he now resides in Portland, OR. He is still wondering what it would be like to work at a real police department. Follow Kalvin on Twitter @freepartysubs